"The E.R. said that they called the police when they brought her here, but they didn't say how she got hurt …""She must have been beaten up by someone. Otherwise, how do you explain her injuries?!""Don't celebrities have agents, bodyguards, and stuff? Normal people wouldn't be able to get close to them, so how the hell did someone even beat her up?""That's for celebs who are popular now! For a washed-up one like Yvette, what agent would care about her, especially with the huge scandal that got exposed so recently?"Larissa was originally listening to the gossip as a way to relieve her boredom, but when the name "Yvette" popped out of a nurse's mouth, she froze at once. Once she had connected the previous dialogues to this, she was very surprised.Yvette was … beaten up by someone? But … who would do that?Like Larissa, Gary's attention was also drawn by the nurses' conversation. He slowed down until he decided to just stop walking.There were only two nurses who were in charg
Lewis had come to the hospital early, spending nearly half an hour reporting to Gary about work-related things. Then he stayed here, occasionally giving Mrs. Griffin a hand, though most of the time he sat on a sofa nearby with his laptop in his lap to deal with work.When Gary pushed Larissa out of the ward, Lewis was still focused on reading work emails from Aldovia.Mrs. Griffin looked outside the door. "He went to answer a call and left. But his things are still here, so he will probably be back soon." As she said, Lewis' laptop was still placed on the sofa he had been sitting on, and the power indicator was still lit, which clearly meant that he had just left not long ago.Gary passed Larissa over to Mrs. Griffin. "Help Lari get into the bed. I will call Lewis." However, before the call went through, Lewis came back. The phone in his hand rang at this time. Lewis looked down to see before asking Gary in surprise, "You were looking for me, Gary?"Gary did not rush to speak. He w
Lewis was a little resigned, and he could not help but feel sorry for Kevan."It's his Uncle Bernard's 60th birthday today. He originally did not want to go, but his parents insisted that he attended, so …" Lewis defended Kevan. "If you have something really important to tell him, I will contact him now.""No need." Gary rejected his suggestion. "Telling him tomorrow when he comes is fine too."Lewis and Larissa looked at each other, and they pursed their lips simultaneously.…There were all kinds of luxurious cars parked in front of the Regal Dynasty Hotel. This spectacle caused many passers-by to stop and stare while letting out a series of rueful lamentations.Kevan parked his car in the midst of all of them, and his phone rang just as he pushed open the car door."Kevan, are you here yet?" Violet's voice came through the speakers.Kevan held his phone in one hand, while his other hand reached to the passenger's seat to grab the wrapped gift. "I just arrived.""Oh, good, g
Sitting at the main head table were the three Rogers brothers and their sons. The women and grandchildren were arranged to sit at the next head table close by.The moment Kevan got closer, Anthony stood up and waved at him. "Kevan, here!"The gazes of everyone else at the table only fell on him then.There was an empty seat next to Anthony, which had clearly been left for Kevan.Kevan did not take his seat at once but went over to Bernard to give him the prepared gift. "Happy birthday, Uncle Bernard." Kevan smiled faintly, his voice had a rare trace of gentleness when faced with all these people—he was always good with pulling superficial performances, even during the years in which the relationship of his side and theirs was at its most strained. He never did anything that could allow anyone to hold leverage over him when it came to public and social settings.It was just that, ever since he "lost" his memory, he was colder to his family and friends. So, his attitude today surpri
Seeing that the atmosphere had become awkward, Cody and Edmund immediately came to smooth things over. One pulled on Bernard while the other went to persuade Maria."Dad, Mom is only doing this for your own good! Please don't be angry!""Forget it, Mom. It's Dad's 60th birthday today. Just show him a bit of respect and not cause a scene here, please? There are people watching!"No one bothered to apologize to Kevan—of course, he never expected them to either. In the confusion, he silently went over to sit in his seat, trading a look with Anthony before quietly observing this farce. However, the farce did not last long. After both sons had persuaded them, combined with the stares from the guests, Bernard and Maria calmed down very quickly.Cody got a waiter to clean up the mess on the floor, and once Bernard's emotions were fully calm, the feast officially started.There was an emcee for the feast. Cody had spent a great deal of money on this too, for he had hired a well-known host
Kevan ignored her words, feeling for his phone to text Dylan via WhatsApp. "Give me a call in ten minutes."He only came for his parents' sake. Now that all social formalities had been taken care of, it was time to "retreat." He did think of accompanying his parents until the end of the event, but it was annoying to be in the company of Uncle Bernard's family, and he could not stand their drivel.Seeing that Kevan disregarded her completely, Maria had trouble keeping the smile on her face. "Kevan, boy, it's not that I'm criticizing you or whatever." The reproach in her voice grew stronger. "Earning money may be important, but you should be supporting your parents well too! When your parents are gone a few years later, who are you going to spend all that money on?""Don't worry, Aunt Maria." Kevan put his phone down and smiled faintly. "The money I give my parents every year is more than what your sons are able to earn combined. Besides, I have a daughter to raise too, so I must work
"Has the police been called? What did they say?""Did the kidnapper call? How much money do they want?"…The chattering discussion attracted the attention of the surrounding guests, to the point that Bernard, who was still in the midst of delivering his speech on stage, was ignored. Bernard deliberately tapped the mic with his fingers and cleared his throat twice, but he was unable to draw the attention of the crowd back to him.Kevan looked down, his hands clenched into fists on the table."Yes." After a long moment, he bit out this word with great difficulty."It's been so long! Has she not yet been rescued?!" Cody's voice grew louder from his anxiety.The guests further away were startled as they looked over as one.Cody wanted this matter to be known by all, so he did not control the volume of his voice. "Beth is your biological daughter! How can you be so heartless, Kevan? It's not like you lack that bit of money! Can you bear to just watch her die?" His "indignant" serie
Dylan's phone call only came after Kevan had reached the bottom floor of the hotel. "I'm already out." Kevan waved off the lobby manager and walked straight out of the hotel before getting into his car."So soon?" Dylan was a little surprised but figured it out after a moment's thought. "Those vampires tried to create trouble for you again?"Although Kevan did not like those two families, he never started anything on his end. He only ever retaliated because the two Rogers branch families kept provoking him on purpose. Not wanting to dwell on this subject further, Kevan asked Dylan, "How're things with you?"Dylan glanced at the ward door that was firmly shut next door before lowering his voice. "Something did happen."Kevan's nerves were pulled taut at once as he slammed the gas pedal all the way down. The black Maserati shot out like an arrow loose from a bow as it raced away through the night.…It normally took 45 minutes to get to Victory General Hospital from Regal Dynasty b
Wendy said, "You have to walk faster than this, Larissa! It's almost time! Your husband can't wait!""Alright!" Larissa quickly gathered up her skirts and followed her.The sun was out.Its golden rays shone softly on the red carpet through the rose petals.Larissa suppressed her desire to stay here for a little while longer and quickly walked toward the end.It was the door to the glass hall.Gary held Aster's hand and his cane in the other, waiting for her at the entrance.When he saw her, Aster immediately let go of Gary's hand and rushed toward her. "You're so pretty today, Mommy!"Larissa patted his head and smiled gently. "Thank you."Aster was her flower boy. Like Gary, he was wearing a tuxedo with a little bowtie.He was holding a basket that was proportionate to his body. In it were rose petals of various colors and shapes.The music suddenly began playing.Gary walked up to her and extended his arm toward her. "Let's go."He looked at her with a smile, his eyes g
Gary and Lewis left Bartham after two days.Blue Star did not give them time off. They couldn't stay for long.Larissa's holidays were coming to an end as well. Half of the time, she was in the Rogers' villa.Because of the pandemic, most of the shops weren't open yet. She slept and ate at home most of the time and accompanied her family. It was quite nice.After the holidays, Kevan and Larissa went back to work.Aster was sent to the kindergarten that he'd been to before. Violet was the one who drove him to and fro.In fact, in order to better take care of him, the parents moved out of Rogers' villa and bought a house in Kevan and Larissa's neighborhood.The days passed in the blink of an eye.Blue Star's company in Bartham was quickly built. Lewis sent over a few loyal and trained employees to hold the fort with Larissa and hired people according to the company's needs. The company was soon on the right track, and the headquarters' work was moved over.Larissa grew busier an
Violet had set aside Larissa's breakfast for her.Larissa ate with reddened cheeks. Kevan and Aster, who had been waiting for her, got up at the same time. Violet brought out a boxful of pie from the kitchen."Don't forget this." She put the box in Kevan's hands."Alright. Thanks, Mom." Kevan looked at Larissa and asked, "Can we go now?"Larissa wanted to ignore him, but in front of Violet, she couldn't express her emotions right now."Yes," she replied, pulling Aster toward her. She said goodbye to Violet and strode out the door.Kevan smiled in slight annoyance and followed suit.…Kevan had told Aster beforehand that they were going to see Great-Grandpa. Thus, all of Aster's questions on the way there revolved around him."Why is great-grandpa called 'Great-Grandpa'?""Is he Grandpa's dad?""Is Great-Grandpa fierce?""If he's dead, how is he going to eat the pie?"…Kevan patiently answered all of his questions.Meanwhile, Larissa looked out the window silently.Keva
Since Larissa had gone downstairs alone, it was natural to expect a few questions."Where's Kevan? Why isn't he coming down with you?""Where's Daddy? He said he would launch fireworks with me."Larissa walked over calmly and made up an excuse. "He's tired, so he showered and slept."The older people did not doubt her. Only Lewis stared at her thoughtfully."Oh … Why did Daddy sleep so early?" Aster pouted in disappointment."You can get him to launch fireworks with you tomorrow. It'll be the same." Larissa patted his head, keeping a calm expression on her face.Anthony and Violet gave the gifts they'd prepared to Larissa and Aster.Violet looked at them, tears falling down her cheeks."I have no regrets now," she said."Thank you, Mom." Larissa gave her a big hug.Violet was stunned, and she cried harder."Good girl." She hugged Larissa back, smiling widely.After Anthony and Violet, Gary and Lewis gave them their gifts. However, they were calm. Aster was so happy that he
"Happy Reunion Day!"For some reason, Larissa's eyes became a little moist. Her voice even sounded a bit choked up."What's wrong?" Kevan nervously held her face, urging her to meet his gaze. "Didn't you like the fireworks just now?"She shook her head. "No, I really liked them!""Then, why are you crying?" Kevan couldn't stand seeing her cry; it tugged at his heart."I'm just very moved."She buried her face in his chest, speaking emotionally, "Welcoming the big family reunion dinner with the person you love is wonderful."The corners of Kevan's mouth gradually curved up as he heard what she said.The hand around her waist tightened inch by inch."I love you too, Lari."He lowered his head and planted a kiss on the top of her head.She hurriedly pushed him away as she sensed his body's response. But she couldn't move him much."They're still waiting for us downstairs!" she reminded him.Lewis knew she was awake, and the fireworks were already over. If they stayed he
It was a rare occasion to have the entire extended family gathered together like this for the big family reunion dinner. In the evening, everyone was in high spirits, having enjoyed a bit of alcohol. Violet took advantage of the festive atmosphere and insisted that Gary and Lewis stay.Since Larissa woke up early after a day without proper rest, she was already feeling quite sleepy even though the reunion dinner TV celebration had just begun.Violet was understanding and told her to go to bed.Larissa tried to muster her energy to stay up."No, I'll at least wait until after midnight."She wasn't someone who adhered to rituals or traditions.In previous years, she wouldn't have stayed up late specifically to welcome the big family reunion dinner day.But this year was different.She had the companionship of her family.She was no longer a drifting, rootless plant in a foreign land.Kevan furrowed his brows slightly and gave her a gentle push."You should get some sleep.
Larissa recalled that there was indeed such an incident.However, Kevan's excuse to her was that he needed to go to Westonia to handle matters concerning Edmund."Kevan knows how the customs work better than you! You're not even married. Yet, you're already taking his side!"Gary scoffed.His displeasure was quite obvious.Larissa chuckled awkwardly, then decided to come clean and reveal the whole truth. "Well, the truth is, Kevan and I never actually got divorced. I married him over six years ago."Gary hadn't heard this from Kevan.So, his emotions seemed conflicted upon first hearing that. He clutched his chest. It was as if he were experiencing some discomfort.Larissa and Lewis quickly approached him, asking with concern, "What's wrong? Are you okay?"In a sudden change of demeanor, Gary used his other hand to playfully tap Larissa's forehead.His expression instantly returned to normal. However, the tap was quite forceful, causing Larissa to wince in pain."If yo
Larissa had to pick up Gary and Lewis early tomorrow morning. So, after having dinner, she returned to her room to freshen up and get ready for bed. As she lay down on the bed, she found herself tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep no matter what she did.Kevan had just managed to put Aster to sleep before coming into the room. He noticed that the lights were still on.He furrowed his brow and asked, "Why haven't you fallen asleep yet?"Larissa lifted the blanket and sat up abruptly. "I'm feeling very anxious right now," she admitted.Her hair was in disarray.There was a troubled expression on her face."Anxious about what?" Kevan inquired."Well, my dad is coming over tomorrow. What if he doesn't get along with your parents?" The mere thought of that possibility gave her a headache."Uncle Gary is a reasonable person. He won't easily give anyone a hard time," Kevan defended Gary.His words brought a smile to Larissa's face. "Are you saying he hasn't been gi
"Alright, then. We shall head out." Larissa gathered her belongings and pulled Kevan toward the exit."I'll come pick you up tomorrow morning. It's almost the big family reunion dinner day. "So, it's hard to find a cab on the road. You might even find yourself waiting for half a day without coming across an empty cab."Gary didn't refuse. Instead, he requested, "Then, you come alone tomorrow."Her steps hesitated a moment, and she sighed inwardly. Gary really hadn't changed."Alright," she agreed.…As soon as they closed the door, Larissa began complaining to Kevan, "I thought my dad had really come around! Turns out, he still has reservations about you!"Kevan tightened his grip on her hand and smiled."Take it slow; there has to be a gradual process."He didn't expect Gary to change his attitude overnight. But as long as things were moving in a positive direction, he was content.She shrugged upon hearing that."Well, it's not me who's being wronged here; it's y